BARCELONA are in talks with Sergio Aguero as they look to reunite the Man City star with long-term pal Lionel Messi.
Arsenal have received a mega boost as 19-year-old Folarin Balogun has signed a new contract with the club.
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PUSH & PAUL
Paul Scholes wants to see Manchester United go hard on signing Erling Haaland this summer.
But the former midfielder accepts that rivals Manchester City, where the Norwegian’s dad Alf-Inge played, could hold the advantage.
He told talkSPORT: “He’s got that relationship with Ole and we all know how good he is.
“Man United are desperate for a No9, an all-out centre-forward. Haaland would be the perfect choice, of course he would.
“There are a couple of other names out there that could possibly do that.
“You have to think about his dad as well with the City link. That could be strong in this situation.
“But let’s see. Fingers crossed, if he does move, that he comes to the red side of Manchester.”
MAX POWER
Everton have reportedly received a boost in their bid to sign Max Aarons.
The Norwich right-back is set to join the Canaries in the Premier League next season – unless a club can meet his £30million price tag.
According to Football Insider, Norwich were previously refusing to consider bids so the new valuation could help prospective buyers.
And the club are also said to be looking at replacement signings if Aarons leaves.
DONE DEAL
A loan move in the Championship as Alex Mitchell leaves Millwall for Bromley.
The centre-back will spend the next move with the Vanarama National League outfit.
RED WOE
Uefa bosses must wait for an official report before deciding whether to punish Liverpool for the attack on the Real Madrid bus.
When one of Real’s buses parked up at the Kop end of the ground after the team had disembarked, it was apparent one pane of a double-glazed window had been smashed.
Video footage and images of a broken window on the side of the luxury emerged on social media.
Merseyside police have launched an investigation after damage was caused to the Real coach on its way to Anfield for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg.
Uefa observers at the game must decide whether to include the incident in their report.
Credit: PA ARE EU READY?
It’s a huge night in the Europa League, here is how each tie is set up ahead of the 8pm kick-offs.
Manchester United host Granada with a 2-0 lead after the first leg in Spain, but the LaLiga side broke a four-game losing streak when winning on the weekend.
Slavia Prague hold an away goal over Arsenal in their 1-1 tied quarter-final, the Czech club boasting a record of six wins, three draws and one defeat in their last ten European games.
Roma fought back from a goal down to lead Ajax 2-1 as their tie goes to Italy.
And Villarreal took a 1-0 win away to Dinamo Zagreb last week to extend their Europa League win-streak to seven games.
BRIDGE TOO FAR
Nedum Onuoha has claimed he helped Wayne Bridge cover up a snowboarding injury by leaving ‘a tiny bit on him’ in training.
Speaking to Tubes & Ange Golf Life Channel on Youtube, the 34-year-old explained: “Bridgey had a social calendar, whether it was potentially snowboarding, being down in Surrey even though we were playing in Manchester, and I think he may have hurt himself or whatever.
“He asked me the question and at that point we are in the trenches together, so I was like ‘yeah, no problem’, so I left a tiny bit on him.
“I didn’t hurt him but at times the pitch can be a bit unstable. I went in to win the ball and unfortunately he may have rolled his ankle.
“I think he hurt himself from doing something that maybe he shouldn’t have been doing. Maybe, perhaps, I’m not sure.
“At that point, we were the deadwood. We had nothing going for us and were looking out for each other.”
FAN-TASTIC NEWS
The Premier League are pushing back their penultimate round of fixtures so every team can play a home game in front of 10,000 fans.
It is understood the 37th round of games will now take place on May 18-19. That is the day after the third stage of the government’s Covid-19 roadmap is planned to start.
The Prem has told clubs of the decision to move the round of fixtures – but public confirmation of the plans are not expected until broadcast arrangements are in place.
Lockdown restrictions are set to ease on May 17, allowing outdoor venues to hold 25 per cent of capacity or 10,000 people, whichever is smaller.
There was concern that this would mean half the teams in the Premier League would be allowed to play in front of their fans for the final day of the season – while the other half would not.
Pushing back the second-to-last round of games means every club will be afforded the chance to play at their own ground in front of 10,000 supporters.
HAZARD WARNING
Eden Hazard’s farewell message to Chelsea fans looks set to ring true after the Blues drew Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.
The Belgian maestro said an emotional goodbye to the club after signing off in style by helping thump Arsenal 4-1 in the Europa League final in Baku in 2019.
Hazard scored two goals and created another one as he provided a fairytale ending to his seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
And in a touching social media message to the supporters who idolised him for so long, Hazard wrote at the time: “Now it’s in the open I would like to put on record one thing was always clear to me, I have loved every moment at Chelsea and not once did I ever consider, nor would I have left for any other club.
“Chelsea and especially Chelsea fans will always be special to me and next season I will look for your results first.
“I hope that we are drawn against each other in the Champions League next season and every season so we can meet again.”
STAR FISH
They already had Captain Marvel at Manchester United, and in youngster Will Fish they have another potential leader among their ranks.
With the Red Devils suffering a selection headache in defence for Thursday’s Europa League second leg, and the suspensions of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, Fish, 18, has been drafted into the squad.
The 6ft 1in defender is a commanding centre back, who will be relatively unknown to most fans.
But, amongst his peers in the youth sides, he’s the team-mate they all look to – like the stars of the 80s and 90s did with Bryan Robson.
And he has formed an impressive partnership with fellow youth prospect Teden Mengi at the heart of the defence for the U18’s.
Will Fish has been drafted into Man Utd’s Europa League squad against Granada tonight
NIK OF TIME – EXCLUSIVE
Manchester United are ready to step up their pursuit of Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.
The Serbian defender has been on the radar of Old Trafford scouts for a number of seasons now. The 23-year-old runs out of contract in the summer of 2022, and it is understood he will not sign a new deal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to bring in a new centre-back this summer, in search of a long-term partner for Harry Maguire. But it is understood the Italian side will demand at least £38m for their man, which United would not be willing to pay.
A number of top sides are showing interest in Milenkovic, with Chelsea believed to be keen.
Meanwhile, AC Milan would look to sign him if they can seal a permanent deal for Fikayo Tomori with the Blues.
United are expected to offload Eric Bailly when the window opens, with talks over a new contract not progressing. The 26-year-old wants assurances over regular action, which Solskjaer has refused to give him.
GUARD OF HONOUR
Jude Bellingham joked he is ‘not bad for a Championship player’ after being hailed for his debut Champions League season.
The England international joined Borussia Dortmund last summer for £25million after leaving boyhood club Birmingham.
In his first European campaign, he proved instrumental in Dortmund’s midfield, with ten appearances and a goal.
The strike came in the second leg of their quarter-final against Manchester City, which they lost 4-2 on aggregate. But afterwards, the 17-year-old was asked to comment on his meteoric rise and Bellingham took the chance to poke fun at any prior critics.
He said: “Not bad for a Championship player eh?
“I think I’ve taken every game in my stride, I had a bit of a tough start away at Lazio and then since then I think all of my best performances in BVB colours have come in the Champions League, including tonight.”
MEL OF A LIFE
Anthony Martial’s wife Melanie has opened up on what it is really like to be a Premier League Wag.
The stunning model has been with Man United’s No9 Anthony since his ugly split with mother of his first child Samantha Jacquelinet in 2016.
Melanie, 29, is keen to stress that being a footballer’s wife isn’t just about the ‘latest handbags’ and ‘nice cars’ that some people perceive it to be.
She told Konbini, via Get French Football News: “Never in my life did I imagine that I would become the wife of a footballer. Really never.
“It was never my idea to live my life according to a man, so already that’s all wrong. I can understand people who have stereotypes around footballers’ wives, because I had them too.
“It’s like: ‘Wow, the nice cars, handbags.’ That’s the first stereotype, but it is not at all like that. It maybe summarises one month of the year, the month where they have holidays, in June, the nice holidays, all that. For the rest of the year it is not like that at all.”
MAD FOR IT
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr showed off a piece of sublime skill against Liverpool – and footie fans loved it.
Thirty-five minutes into their Champions League quarter-final clash, the jet-heeled winger chipped the ball over the attempted challenge from Ozan Kabak.
It was done so nonchalantly to put the 20-year-old into acres of space. Unfortunately the Brazilian ended up running the ball out of play – but fans loved the footwork nonetheless.
One posted on Twitter how Vinicius had ‘destroyed Ozan Kabak’s career in just one move’.
Ntobeko Nkomo described the move as ‘ungovernable’, with another adding that Vinicius ‘dealt with Kabak nasty’.
Manchester United fan ‘Aidan’ wrote that ‘Vinicius mugged him off’, while another joked that ‘Kabak marking Vinicius is going well’.
SHOT IN THE ARM
Lionel Messi has helped South American footballers get 50,000 Covid vaccines from China.
The Argentine great has helped in the bid to vaccinate all players before this summer’s Copa America tournament.
The tournament is the most prestigious in South America and was postponed last year due to the pandemic.
But Messi helped football chiefs’ ambitious vaccination plans by donating three signed shirts.
The shirts helped secure the deal with Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac, one official said.
Conmebol’s Gonzalo Belloso tweeted: “Sinovac’s directors manifested their admiration for Lionel Messi, who kindly sent us three shirts for them.”
O-LOL GUNNAR SOLSKJAER
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims he wants his team to ‘win the right way’ despite the Red Devils’ historic reputation of intimidating officials and getting favourable decisions.
The Norwegian said ‘the game is gone’ after the farcical decision to disallow Edinson Cavani’s goal after Scott McTominay’s ‘foul’ on Heung-min Son against Tottenham on Sunday.
And asked to elaborate ahead of United’s Europa League quarter-final second-leg against Granada, Solskjaer recalled something Sir Alex Ferguson told him when he was a player.
He said: “I think every manager has certain values and when I got sent off against Newcastle a few years ago, many moons ago, I thought I ‘d done the right thing for the team.
“But Sir Alex lambasted me after the game and said ‘We don’t win that way at Man Utd’ and I’ve lived by that ever since.
“We want to win in the right manner it doesn’t matter who we play against we want to win playing by the book. I’m not saying someone else doesn’t, I’m just saying I think every manager wants to win in a fair way.”
CARLO’S WAY
Everton could be offered Adrien Rabiot and Merih Demiral in a mega swap deal involving Moise Kean.
The Juventus duo would add quality and competition for places in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
Central midfielder Adrien Rabiot would go straight into a battle with the likes of Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Andre Gomes and Gylfi Sigurdsson.
And Merih Demiral will take his place at the back after beating off a number of competitions.
The Turkish centre-back will compete with the likes of Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and Michael Keane at the back.
Aaron Ramsey was also a name linked with a move to Everton as part of a swap deal.
GREEN LIGHT TO GO!
Mason Greenwood is confident Manchester United can get the job done against Granada at Old Trafford tonight.
The Red Devils go into the second-leg of their Europa League quarter-final against the LaLiga side with a 2-0 lead from the first-leg in Spain.
But the young forward says there is no room for complacency as they seek to reach the semis.
Greenwood said: “To get a 2-0 lead, it’s given us a big boost but not an easier chance.
“You never know what they can do in the second leg really, but it’s given us a bit of comfort. But we can’t relax on it in this next game. We’ve got to go out and finish the job to get through to the semis.
“We’re going out to win the match; all the players are ready. We’ve done our preparation and I’m sure we’ll be ready to go.”
PAINT TROLLERS
Tottenham’s slump in form has got so bad they are now getting trolled by their OWN sponsors.
Spurs announced Dulux as their official paint supplier on Thursday before the company christened the partnership by immediately mocking them on Twitter.
They made jibes referencing Tottenham’s questionable defence as well as the club’s empty trophy cabinet. Jamie Redknapp slammed Jose Mourinho for making Spurs boring but even if it is like watching paint dry, surely this is a step too far.
Alongside an image of the Dulux dog at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs tweeted: “We are delighted to announce @duluxuk, the nation’s number one paint brand, our first ever Official Paint Supplier.”
One cheeky fan replied: “Can the dog play centre-back?” And the social media admin controlling the Dulux account incredibly hit back with: “He might do a better job Chris.”
The tweet was later deleted as fans caught wind of the more than questionable online quips.
SERG-ING OFF
Sergio Ramos allegedly told Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to ‘do it’ after being told they would plan for next season without him.
The legendary centre-back is out of contract at the end of this campaign, and is still to agree a new deal. He has been linked with a sensational move to the Premier League, with Manchester United the frontrunners to sign him.
Spanish journalist Josep Pederol revealed to Chiringuito TV of how the conversation went between Ramos and Perez after the defender turned down their opening offer.
Perez reportedly told the 35-year-old: “We will have to plan the season without you”, to which Ramos replied “do it.”
Despite this revelation, Real Madrid’s hopes of keeping Ramos next season have been talked up – by the player’s parents. Jose Maria Ramos, Sergio’s father, and mother Paqui Garcia spoke to Spanish TV show El Chiringuito recently.
Both were effusive on the 35-year-old’s chances of staying in Madrid, stating that he ‘absolutely’ is excited to sign a new deal.
WHAT’S IN A MANE?
When it comes to the horses, Manchester United are first past the post.
New research has found that there are more horse names inspired by the Red Devils than any other club – and they’ve also been the most successful on the track.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men might be second in the Premier League – but they have a table-topping 11 horses related to the club by name, making them the most popular and most profitable football club in racing.
Their squad of horses are headed by the Sir Alex Ferguson-owned, top-class former Flat horse Rock Of Gibraltar, who won seven Group 1s during a brilliant career.
The 11 horses with Manchester United-related names boast a win percentage of 26.77% in 198 starts – accumulating earnings of almost £3 million at a rate of £15,000 per race.
That’s enough to see them claim top spot based on prize money, just ahead of Spanish giants Barcelona who have been represented by the American-trained Messi in 21 races, winning four but still making almost £14,000 per race.
Rock Of Gibraltar enjoyed a stunning career in the colours of Alex Ferguson ITALIAN JOB FOR THE MOISE
Juventus could re-sign PSG loanee Moise Kean from Everton in a huge cash-plus-player deal.
That’s according to reports in Italy, with France midfielder Adrien Rabiot and Turkey centre-back Merih Demiral the bait Juve might offer.
PSG are also interested in a permanent deal this summer as Azzurri striker Kean, 21, has hit 16 goals in 33 games for the Champions League semi-finalists this term.
And Gazzetta dello Sport suggest Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti would be agreeable to selling Kean.
It’s claimed Juve fancy Kean as Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner next term. Andrea Pirlo’s men are poised to be dethroned by Inter Milan after nine Seri A titles in a row.
And Juventus are thought to rue offloading Kean to Everton for £27.5million in August 2019.
SHAW’S REDEMPTION – FAN’S VIEW by Tom McDermott
When Luke Shaw joined Manchester United in 2014 he said in his first interview that he wanted to continue to progress his career and that United was the best place for him to do that.
It’s only really now, seven years on, that United supporters are starting to see him fulfil such potential. It all might have been different if Shaw hadn’t suffered such a horrific injury in the Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven in 2015.
Shaw started that particular campaign flying out of the blocks, but through the resulting years, a combination of other niggly injuries, poor form, and managerial upheaval, has caused many to question whether or not he would survive at Old Trafford.
Even at the start of this season, fans questioned Shaw’s ability. It just felt like he was coming to the end, and that a change of scenery might suit both the club and player.
But, for the vast majority of the campaign, Shaw has proven himself to be the best full-back in the Premier League, and one of the finest in Europe. He’s shown great mental strength too, to go from being an injury prone ‘possible’ to one of the first names on the team sheet.
His defensive positioning and pace means he’s a nightmare for opposing wingers, but his experience also means that he’s often on hand to prevent danger further up the pitch and away from his defensive third. And going forward, he’s practically impossible to stop when in full flight, and he’s starting to add more goals and assists to his play.
PEP STALK – EXCLUSIVE
Yangel Herrera says it is his dream to play under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The Venezuelan midfield ace, 23, is on loan at Granada from the Premier League leaders. Herrera trained with City at the end of 2018 and is hopeful he will get a proper chance under Guardiola.
Granada tonight head to Manchester United in their Europa League quarter-final second leg. Herrera told SunSport: “Being with Pep was a masterclass.
“It helped me see that one day I should have my place there. I didn’t feel weird in that dressing room. I was surrounded by great footballers.
“I work to achieve something like that. I don’t know if Pep’s the best in the world but he needs to be on the podium.
“Anybody can see what he’s brought to football. They are very aware of each game I play in LaLiga and in the Europa League.”
CHANGING THEIR TOON
Government officials have denied that Prime Minister Boris Johnson intervened in last summer’s attempted Saudi takeover of Newcastle United.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund, assisted by Amanda Staveley and the Reuben Brothers, had agreed a £300million deal with current owner Mike Ashley.
The PIF eventually withdrew from the deal last July, however, after growing frustrated at the Premier League’s concerns over whether the Saudi state, in effect Bin Salman, would own Newcastle.
Their main issue surrounded alleged state-backed piracy in the country, which included broadcasting of Premier League football. According to the Mail, Bin Salman sent Johnson, 56, the message: “We expect the English Premier League to reconsider and correct its wrong conclusion.”
With concerns over UK-Saudi relations, Johnson reportedly asked a senior aide to investigate the matter.
But in response to the report, a Government spokesman told the Mirror: “While we welcome overseas investment, this was a commercial matter for the parties concerned and the Government was not involved at any point in the takeover talks on the sale of Newcastle United.”
ZLAT’S ALL FOLKS?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is facing a three-year ban for investing in a Malta-based betting company, it has been claimed.
A bombshell report in Sweden says that the 39-year-old’s career could be brought to a premature end as a result of the ban.
Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet state that he owns ten per cent of Bethard, a gambling company with offices in Malta, through his business Unknown AB.
Both Fifa and Uefa do not let players have financial interests in gambling companies. Fifa’s ethical rules say that anyone who violates them faces a fine and a ban from all football activities for a maximum of three years.
The report continues that the Swedish FA were aware of the problem and it’s the reason he didn’t feature in the 2018 World Cup. AC Milan striker Zlatan had already retired from international football in 2016 but made his return ahead of this summer’s Euros.
The report adds that Zlatan’s company is the fourth largest shareholder in Bethard and it made a profit after tax of £25.79m in 2019. He was announced as a co-owner and ambassador for the brand three years ago.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
